Krause, MI

Albert Krause, Plymouth, MI US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20080257007

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING A BLANK AS A PORTION OF THE BLANK RECEIVES PULSES OF DIRECT CURRENT - A method is provided for forming a sheet metal blank or tubular blank in a metal forming tool, such as a sheet metal press or a media forming tool. The sheet metal press has an upper die and a lower die that are moved by a press to form the metal blank. The forming tool has a plurality of electrodes that are connected in an electrical circuit to a source of direct current. The electrodes provide pulses of the electric current to at least a portion of the blank. The method comprises loading the blank into the forming tool and closing the upper die and the lower die. The electrical circuit is completed between multiple electrodes through one or more portions of the blank. Electrical current is pulsed intermittently through the blank in a plurality of pulses.

10-23-2008

Andrew Krause, Oxford, MI US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20100072163

BOTTLE CAP - A cap for sealing a container having a neck includes an annular outer skirt having an inner surface and an outer surface, a top portion of the outer skirt forming an annular rim. A generally concave top wall extends inwardly from and below a plane defined by the rim, the top wall having a top face and a bottom face. An annular inner skirt extends downward from the top wall bottom face and disposed radially inward from and concentric with the outer skirt, wherein the inner skirt is configured to sealingly engage with an inner surface of the container neck when the cap is attached thereto.

03-25-2010

20100264058

PRODUCT MULTI-PACK - A product multi-pack is provided with a plurality of elongate product containers. The containers each include a bottom, an open top that is closed by a cap and a wall extending there between. The wall includes a label having a front portion extending about a limited section of the wall circumference. A carton is provided that is sized to display the plurality of product containers. A locator web is provided that is formed of a thin sheet of plastic having a plurality of spaced apart apertures. The apertures are sized to be at least partially elastically deformed when installed over the caps of the product containers. Additionally, the locator web provides frictional resistance to rotation of the product containers, which enables the containers to be positioned and held in place relative to the carton open face so that the label front portions are visible.

10-21-2010

20120211393

Product Multi-Pack - A product multi-pack is provided with a plurality of elongate product containers. The containers each include a bottom, an open top that is closed by a cap and a wall extending there between. The wall includes a label having a front portion extending about a limited section of the wall circumference. A carton is provided that is sized to display the plurality of product containers. A locator web is provided that is formed of a thin sheet of plastic having a plurality of spaced apart apertures. The apertures are sized to be at least partially elastically deformed when installed over the caps of the product containers. Additionally, the locator web provides frictional resistance to rotation of the product containers, which enables the containers to be positioned and held in place relative to the carton open face so that the label front portions are visible.

08-23-2012

20120273450

Bottle Cap - A cap for sealing a container having a neck includes an annular outer skirt having an inner surface and an outer surface, a top portion of the outer skirt forming an annular rim. A generally concave top wall extends inwardly from and below a plane defined by the rim, the top wall having a top face and a bottom face. An annular inner skirt extends downward from the top wall bottom face and disposed radially inward from and concentric with the outer skirt, wherein the inner skirt is configured to sealingly engage with an inner surface of the container neck when the cap is attached thereto.

11-01-2012

Brian Krause, Ann Arbor, MI US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20120107298

Use of LCAT for Treating Anemia and Red Blood Cell Dysfunction - Disclosed are methods for treating conditions characterized by anemia or red blood cells dysfunction by administering an agent that increases the level of endogenous LCAT or LCAT activity. Additionally disclosed are methods of treating conditions wherein red blood cells have reduced function in relation to deformability, oxygenation, increased adhesion and aggregability, reduced nitric oxide function, or decreased life-span, increased free cholesterol, or abnormal phospholipid content. Also disclosed are methods for treating conditions characterized by an abnormal concentration of free cholesterol in red blood cells and methods of normalizing the free cholesterol content of red blood cells.

DETECTION OF LCAT ACTIVITY - The present disclosure relates to methods for detecting and measuring the activity of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) in solution (e.g. serum, plasma, cell culture media, aqueous solution) with fluorescent sterol substrates. The present disclosure also relates to a method for evaluating efficacy of a therapeutic agent for stimulating LCAT and for determining endogenous LCAT activity in a patient. Also disclosed are kits that are used to carry out the aforementioned methods and methods.

01-23-2014

Brian R. Krause, Ann Arbor, MI US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20130045194

Delivery of Cholesteryl Ester to Steroidogenic Tissues - Disclosed are compositions and methods for treating conditions characterized by low HDL-CE which can lead to decreased delivery of cholesteryl ester to steroidogenic tissues, reducing the organ's ability to produce steroids especially during periods of demand, stress and or systemic inflammatory response syndrome.

02-21-2013

Daniel Krause, Fenton, MI US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20090275289

Method and system for determining radio spectrum availability and quality - A method is provided for analyzing radio spectrum solutions of a wireless communication service. The method may include obtaining address information of two end points of a wireless communication path of the wireless communication service and performing a check on the address information based on a database system configured to store valid address information and associated geographical information. The method may also include obtaining location related information including a distance between the two end points and determining rain zone information based on the address information and associated geographical information, retrieving radio equipment information on a plurality of radio equipment, and determining a plurality of available wireless communication solutions based on the location related information and the radio equipment information. Each solution may include at least one of a radio spectrum availability and a throughput. Further, the method may include presenting the plurality of wireless communication solutions.

11-05-2009

Edward K. Krause, Saline, MI US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20140278781

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONDUCTING SURVEYS INSIDE VEHICLES - A survey system enabling one or more processors to output a survey in a vehicle while allowing a vehicle occupant to engage in the survey. The survey system may communicate with a vehicle computing system enabling one or more processors to receive input representing one or more occupants in a vehicle. They survey system may receive an input representing a current location. The system may determine a workload value for the one or more vehicle occupants and output a survey to the one or more vehicle occupants when the workload value is below a predefined threshold. The system may output a survey related to the one or more occupants and current location. The system may collect survey results and relay the survey results to a remote server for processing. The system may provide a digital reward to the one or more occupants participating in the survey.

09-18-2014

G. Matt Krause, Allegan, MI US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20120167505

POLYMER-BASED BRACKET SYSTEM FOR METAL PANELS - A system for supporting exterior panels on a substrate of a building structure. The system has a plurality of polymeric bracket members, and each of the bracket members have at least one anchor section, at least one web section and at least one support section. The polymeric bracket members provide a thermal break from the exterior panel to the substrate of the building structure. A plurality of exterior cladding units are held in place by the bracket members. A plurality of vents are disposed between the panels and the exterior panels, and a plurality of vents are also disposed between the panels and the substrate, thereby forming a ventilation system.

07-05-2012

20130152498

POLYMER-BASED BRACKET SYSTEM FOR EXTERIOR CLADDING - A system for supporting exterior panels or cladding units on a building substrate. The system includes a plurality of polymeric bracket members, wherein each of the polymeric bracket members further includes an anchor section, adapted to be coupled to the building substrate, and a support section adapted to couple to the exterior cladding unit. In assembly, as disposed between the building substrate and the exterior cladding units, the polymeric bracket members provide a thermal break from the exterior cladding units to the building substrate.

06-20-2013

20140250811

Insulation System For Buildings - An insulation system for coupling to a building substrate comprising a plurality of insulation panels, bracket members and splice members. Each insulation panel includes a longitudinal slot. Each bracket member is formed from a polymer and includes an elongated body having a body wall, a first end wall and a second end wall. Upper and lower ribs extend from the body wall and are structurally configured to extend into the longitudinal slot of each of the plurality of insulation panels, and to elastically deform the longitudinal slot so as to effectively seal along a length thereof, defining a vapor barrier. A similar structure is on each splice member. The bracket members are positioned in a spaced apart relationship with insulation panels therebetween. The upper and lower ribs extend into corresponding ones of the longitudinal slots of the insulation panels, with splice members extending between adjacent adjacently abutting insulation panels.

09-11-2014

Patent applications by G. Matt Krause, Allegan, MI US

Joseph K. Krause, Northville, MI US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20120326735

SENSOR SYSTEM FOR STEERING WHEEL FOR VEHICLE - A sensor system for a steering wheel of a vehicle includes a first sensor disposed within a first portion of the steering wheel to detect contact with a front left surface of the steering wheel. The sensor system includes a second sensor disposed within a second portion of the steering wheel separate from the first portion to detect contact with a front right surface of the steering wheel. The sensor system also includes a third sensor disposed within the steering wheel to detect contact with a rear surface of the steering wheel. The first, second and third sensors are configured to respectively detect touching of the front left surface, the front right, and the rear surface of the steering wheel by a hand or a non-hand part of an operator of the vehicle. The first, second and third sensors can be complex impedance sensors.

12-27-2012

Joseph Kae Krause, Northville, MI US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20120150387

SYSTEM FOR MONITORING A VEHICLE DRIVER - A system and method configured to receive and improve the quality of image data used to determine the condition of a vehicle driver is provided. The system and method includes a camera positioned to detect image data of the vehicle driver, a lighting system positioned to illuminate an interior of the vehicle, and a controller configured to receive the detected image data and to make a determination of the quality of the image data, alter the lighting system based on the determined image data quality, and determine a condition of the driver based on the received image data.

Ken Krause, Rochester Hills, MI US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20110282492

METHOD OF CONTROLLING A ROBOTIC TOOL - A method of controlling a robot system includes the steps of providing a tool supported by a moveable mechanism of the robot system, providing a workpiece supported by a holder, generating an image of the workpiece, extracting a data from the image, the data relating to a feature of the workpiece, generating a continuous three-dimensional path along the workpiece using data extracted from the image, and moving the tool along the path.

11-17-2011

20140074286

SYSTEM TO MONITOR/ANALYZE ROBOT RELATED INFORMATION AND DISPLAY ON A SMART DEVICE - A robot monitoring system for monitoring and analyzing robot related data and displaying the data on a smart device is provided. The robot monitoring system comprises at least one robot in local communication with at least one robot controller. The at least one robot controller has local processing power for monitoring, gathering, and analyzing data related to the at least one robot. The data analysis results are formatted into a message file that is communicated to a storage system. The message file may then be retrieved by a smart device having software running thereon for displaying the results of the data analysis.

03-13-2014

Kenneth W. Krause, Rochester Hills, MI US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20090299524

FLEXIBLE CONNECTION OF TEACHING DEVICES TO PROGRAMMABLE CONTROLLERS - An apparatus provides selective communication between multiple programmable robot controllers and one or more teaching devices connected by a network. The network controls communication between the teaching devices and the controllers including active tasks and passive tasks for preventing communication of active tasks between any of the controllers and more than one of any of the teaching devices. The network permits communication of the passive tasks between any of the controllers and one of the teaching devices communicating active tasks with another one of the controllers.

12-03-2009

20100063625

LINE TRACKING DATA OVER ETHERNET - A robot control system includes a line tracking encoder that measures a reference position of a conveyor line and transmits a tracking signal representing tracking data including the reference position of the conveyor line. A master controller is in communication with the encoder to receive the tracking signal, process the tracking data represented by the tracking signal, and generate a data packet in response to processing of the tracking data. A slave controller is in communication with the master controller and at least one robot for receiving the data packet and controlling the movement of the at least one robot in response to the data packet. A communications network directly interconnects the master controller and the slave controller and transmits the data packet from the master controller to the slave controller.

03-11-2010

20120127165

SYSTEM, METHOD, AND APPARATUS TO DISPLAY THREE-DIMENSIONAL ROBOTIC WORKCELL DATA - A system and a method for displaying a three-dimensional robotic workcell data includes generating the robotic workcell data, a display device including a web browser for receiving the robotic workcell data in a standard format and displaying a three-dimensional rendering of the robotic workcell data, and manipulating the three-dimensional rendering on the display device.

05-24-2012

20130116828

ROBOT TEACH DEVICE WITH 3-D DISPLAY - A method and an apparatus for displaying three-dimensional workcell data includes a hand-held pendant that is provided with 3-D workcell data representing a model of a machine and associated components in a workcell. The hand-held pendant has a display that generates a 3-D visual representation of the workcell data. The pendant can be operated by a user to manipulate the visual representation to change a user viewpoint and to show motion of the machine with associated process information.

05-09-2013

Patent applications by Kenneth W. Krause, Rochester Hills, MI US

Kevin R. Krause, Plymouth, MI US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20090012675

METHOD OF PROVIDING DATA-RELATED SERVICES TO A TELEMATICS-EQUIPPED VEHICLE - A communications method that gathers status information on a telematics-equipped vehicle before establishing a mobile-terminated data connection with that vehicle. In general, the communications method sends a status request message to a wireless carrier system that asks for certain status information on a particular telematics-equipped vehicle. After the wireless carrier system gathers the status information, it sends back a status response message. If the status response message indicates that the telematics-equipped vehicle is able to receive certain data-related services, then a mobile-terminated data connection is established and the services are provided. If the telematics-equipped vehicle is unable to receive the data-related services, then attempts are made to identify and resolve the problem. In cases where the telematics-equipped vehicle is not registered with a wireless network, a monitor request message is sent to the wireless carrier system which puts it on the lookout for registration of the vehicle in question.

01-08-2009

20090047929

METHOD OF AUTHENTICATING A SHORT MESSAGE SERVICE (SMS) MESSAGE - An authentication method that can be used by a telematics-equipped vehicle to authenticate an SMS message and provide additional security features above and beyond those inherent to the SMS protocol. Generally speaking, a call center uses a mathematical function to derive a security code, and then sends an SMS message to a telematics-equipped vehicle that includes information related to the derived security code. The telematics-equipped vehicle can utilize the transmitted information to authenticate the sender of the SMS message and/or its contents. One group of suitable mathematical functions utilizes keyed-hash message authentication codes (HMACs).

02-19-2009

20090088153

Determining Mobile Phone Number Assignment - The present invention detects whether an initial mobile number assignment is suboptimal, resulting in excessive roaming. If excessive roaming is encountered, the telematics service provider determines the effective home area of the telematics unit and assigns an appropriate replacement number to the unit. In this way, the disclosed principles allow a telematics service provider to decrease its roaming charges, and/or those of its users, and more optimally manage its mobile phone number assignments.

04-02-2009

20090088187

Method and System for Configuring a Telematics Device Using Two-Way Data Messaging - A method and system for configuring a telematics device is constructed so as to use two-way short message service (SMS) to provide improved configuration execution. Mobile identification number (MIN), Mobile Directory Number (MDH), Home System Identification (SID) number, SID/NID pairs, NAI/password for packet data, over the air service provisioning (OTASP) number, and Preferred Roaming List (PRL) flag can be easily updated with no manual or voice channel configuration actions. In addition, other system settings such as button behavior, language, call barring, adding units to hands-free calling, etc. may be updated as well. In an example, a series of binary SMS messages configures the telematics device, with a subset of the messages being used specifically for configuration while the remaining message initiates a packet data session to complete additional configuration.

04-02-2009

20090168742

METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE TIMING OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS INVOLVING TELEMATICS-EQUIPPED VEHICLES - A timing control method for use with wireless communications involving telematics-equipped vehicles. The timing control method generally determines a temporally-distributed sequence of message response times for a group of telematics-equipped vehicles, and then includes these different response times in wireless messages that are sent to the vehicles. In reply, the vehicles use the various message response times to respond in an apportioned or distributed fashion that generally correlates with the temporally-distributed sequence; instead of all at once. In another disclosed method, the response times are determined at each vehicle itself. The methods can be used for requesting data from vehicles via SMS messages.

07-02-2009

20090247132

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING VEHICLE COMMUNICATIONS - A system and a method for improving wireless communications between a call center and a vehicle. The system and method can reduce the number of wireless connections needed between a call center and a vehicle by using multimedia messaging service (MMS) messages to convey information therebetween. This obviates the need for the call center to make an initial wireless connection simply to alert the vehicle that it wishes to communicate. Instead, the system and method can convey information or push down content to the vehicle on a very first connection, which can reduce wireless connections and improve reliability.

10-01-2009

20100035602

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING AND REPORTING TELEMATICS UNIT COMMUNICATION NETWORK SYSTEM ACQUISITION AND SCANNING PERFORMANCE - A system and method for monitoring and reporting telematics unit communication network system acquisition and scanning performance is disclosed herein. An example of the method includes monitoring a scan of all cellular networks that are available to a vehicle telematics unit, and during the monitoring, recognizing a predetermined trigger. In response to the predetermined trigger, a memory buffer in the telematics unit stores data associated with at least one of performance or outcome of the scan. At least some of the stored data is transmitted from the telematics unit to a server in selective communication with the telematics unit.

02-11-2010

20100191403

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING WITH A VEHICLE ABOUT THEN-CURRENT VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITIONS USING A TELEMATICS UNIT - A method for communicating with a vehicle about then-current vehicle operating conditions is disclosed herein. The method includes real-time monitoring, via a telematics unit in a vehicle, of vehicle data when the vehicle is traveling on a road segment, comparing the real-time monitored vehicle data with previously stored data of one or more other vehicles that previously traveled the road segment, and based on the comparison, determining an operation of the vehicle in order to achieve optimal fuel efficiency. The method further includes submitting, to the vehicle, the operation of the vehicle for i) increasing a then-current fuel efficiency of the vehicle or ii) maintaining the then-current fuel efficiency of the vehicle. Also disclosed herein is a system for accomplishing the same.

07-29-2010

20110069680

ENHANCED MOBILE NETWORK SYSTEM ACQUISITION USING SCANNING TRIGGERS - A system and method for executing network acquisition employ a triggered scan for network acquisition regardless of the recorded optimal nature of the current network. In general, when one or more predefined conditions occur, a network scan is initiated to identify another network, if any, that is more optimal than the current network. Example trigger conditions include failed registration attempts, exceeding a predetermined distance threshold, entry to or exit from a pre-determined region, excess CDMA Chip delay, and others. Triggers may be used singly or in Boolean combinations. In this way, network scanning occurs when it may be beneficial, but will not be initiated too frequently or in situations where connectivity may not actually be suboptimal. This triggered scan provides improved connectivity, and can allow the device to make and receive calls in locations where it would otherwise not have been possible.

03-24-2011

20110124338

DELAYED GEOSPECIFIC MOBILE NUMBER ASSIGNMENT - A technique and system are provided for executing a delayed geographically specific activation procedure for a telematics unit associated with a vehicle. In an exemplary mode, the method includes first programming a memory of the telematics unit with geographically specific data including at least a location identifier specifying a geographic location and a PRL associated with the specified geographic location. After the vehicle is transported into the geographic location specified by the location identifier, the telematics unit detects that the vehicle is in the specified geographic location and responsively activates a PRL associated with the specified geographic location. Having access to the PRL, the telematics unit initiates a number assignment process over a wireless network extending within the specified geographic location via OTASP or a cleared number call, so that the telematics unit is assigned a dialing number associated with the specified geographic location.

05-26-2011

20110159868

Automated Message Enumerated Notification - The described method and system provide a connectivity problem resolution mechanism that uses a data mode call in order to diagnose a connection problem while avoiding audible ringing and or inadvertent user pick-up during error diagnosis and correction. The system includes three primary functions and elements including cellular error message recognition, error response handling configured to update and/or maintain processes, and new error message capture. This system is usable both online and offline. Error recognition may be based on error message matching or keyword matching.

06-30-2011

20110189991

METHOD OF UPDATING A ROAMING LIST IN A MOBILE DEVICE - A method of updating a roaming list in a mobile device is disclosed herein. The method involves detecting an occurrence of an event via a processor at a back-end system, generating a trigger in response to the detecting of the occurrence of the event, and recognizing, by the processor, the trigger as a roaming list update trigger. The method further includes identifying the mobile device, via the processor, as requiring a roaming list update based on the recognizing of the roaming list update trigger, and transmitting, via a wireless connection, the updated roaming list from the back-end system to the identified mobile device.

08-04-2011

20110202229

IN-VEHICLE TIRE GAUGE SYSTEM AND METHODS - In-vehicle tire gauge system and methods are disclosed herein. The in-vehicle tire gauge system includes a user activated system operatively positioned in a vehicle. The user activated system includes at least one of preset voice prompts or audible tones for guiding a tire pressure check routine, a monitoring system for detecting a tire filling event, and a module for converting tire pressure data into audible feedback. At least one tire pressure monitoring sensor is operatively positioned at each tire of the vehicle and is configured to collect the tire pressure data and transmit such data to the module. An audio system is in operative communication with the user activated system, and is configured to output, via in-vehicle speakers associated with the audio system, the at least one of preset voice prompts or audible tones, the audible feedback, or combinations thereof.

08-18-2011

20110244830

AUTHENTICATING A SHORT MESSAGE SERVICE (SMS) MESSAGE - A vehicle telematics unit or other electronic hardware in a vehicle authenticates an incoming SMS message and provides additional security features above and beyond those inherent to the SMS protocol. A call center uses a mathematical function to derive a security code, and then sends an SMS message to the vehicle. The telematics unit can utilize the transmitted information to authenticate the sender of the SMS message and/or its contents. One group of suitable mathematical functions utilizes keyed-hash message authentication codes (HMACs).

10-06-2011

20110250877

METHOD FOR REACTIVATING A THEN-CURRENTLY DEACTIVATED MOBILE UNIT - A method for reactivating a then-currently deactivated mobile unit involves submitting a request to a call center to reactivate the mobile unit and, upon receiving the request, submitting another request to a cellular service provider from the call center, where such other request includes a request to broadcast a message having a mobile unit identifier and a reactivation protocol contained therein. The method further involves broadcasting the message from the cellular service provider to a plurality of mobile units each having an identical inactive dialing number stored therein. A processor operatively associated with the then-currently deactivated mobile unit recognizes the mobile unit identifier contained in the broadcasted message. Upon recognizing the mobile unit identifier, the processor applies the reactivation protocol contained in the broadcasted message to initiate reactivation of the then-currently deactivated mobile unit.

10-13-2011

20110255481

METHOD FOR MANAGING DATA TRANSMISSIONS IN A SUBSCRIBER POOL - A method for managing data transmissions in a subscriber pool involves receiving a telematics unit call at a call center on a channel other than a packet data channel, and from the call and at the call center, recognizing that the packet data channel is unavailable in a predetermined coverage region. A notification is transmitted to the telematics unit and/or to a plurality of telematics units in the predetermined coverage region indicating that the packet data channel is unavailable for a predetermined time. In response to the notification, a vehicle data upload setting is reset in the telematics unit and/or each of the plurality of telematics units to an alternate channel such that primary connection attempts made by the telematics unit and/or each of the plurality of telematics units are via the alternate channel during the predetermined time. A system for managing such data transmissions is also disclosed.

10-20-2011

20120008509

DETECTING DEGRADATION OF WIRELESS NETWORK PERFORMANCE - A system and method for monitoring wireless network performance that provides a real-time detection and identification of problem areas within a wireless carrier's network. The method involves receiving and attempting to fulfill requests for vehicle services data sent via the wireless carrier system between vehicles and a call center or other remote facility. The success or failure of these attempts are recorded and associated with the geographic region in which the vehicle was located during the attempt, and this information for a multitude of vehicles is then analyzed in conjunction with other inputs and stored data to determine whether a particular geographic region is experiencing a wireless service outage or other degradation in performance.

01-12-2012

20120016551

Charge Notification Method for Extended Range Electric Vehicles - The described principles provide a method and system for assisting a user of an electric vehicle in maintaining a charge state of the chargeable onboard energy storage system so as to be able to forgo the use of an auxiliary power unit to great extent. The method, also implemented by the system, comprises identifying charging locations for the vehicle, and prompting the user to charge the vehicle when the vehicle is at a charging location and a charge is need to avoid the use of the auxiliary power unit for a learned or planned journey. The charge reminder my be visible and/or audible within the vehicle and may optionally be remote from the vehicle.

01-19-2012

20120026010

Telematics unit and method for controlling telematics unit for a vehicle - A telematics unit is provided for a vehicle having a power unit, along with a method for controlling a telematics unit for a vehicle. The telematics unit includes a voltage sensor, a global positioning system unit, and a processor. The voltage sensor senses a measure of a voltage of the power unit. The global positioning system unit obtains position data as to a position of the vehicle. The processor is coupled to the voltage sensor and the global positioning system unit. The processor is configured to determine whether the voltage for the power unit has decreased using the sensed measure of the voltage, determine whether the vehicle is moving using the position data, and command the telematics unit to an off mode if the voltage has decreased and the vehicle is not moving.

02-02-2012

20120028617

METHOD OF COMMUNICATING VOICE AND DATA TRANSMISSIONS FOR TELEMATICS APPLICATIONS - A method of establishing an alternate communication channel between a telematics unit and a central facility that includes determining that a vehicle telematics unit is unable to communicate data over a voice call using a voice channel; initiating a data call from the vehicle telematics unit to a central facility based on that determination; sending information identifying the vehicle telematics unit to the central facility over the data call; establishing a voice call from the central facility to verbally communicate with the vehicle telematics unit based on the information identifying the vehicle telematics unit; and communicating data between the central facility and vehicle telematics unit via short messaging services (SMS) messages using the voice call from the central facility.

02-02-2012

20120029758

TELEMATICS UNIT AND METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INITIATING VEHICLE CONTROL USING TELEMATICS UNIT INFORMATION - A method and system are provided for initiating control of a vehicle. A telematics unit includes a connector and a relay unit. The connector is configured to be coupled to a vehicle component. The relay unit is coupled to the connector, and is configured to provide information pertaining to the connector's coupling to the vehicle component. The immobilizer unit is configured to be coupled to the telematics unit, and includes a receiver and a processor. The receiver is configured to receive the information. The processor is coupled to the receiver, and is configured to initiate a measure of control of the vehicle if the information indicates that the telematics unit has been tampered with.

02-02-2012

20120035923

IN-VEHICLE TEXT MESSAGING EXPERIENCE ENGINE - The disclosed invention provides a system and apparatus for providing a telematics system user with an improved texting experience. A messaging experience engine database enables voice avatar/personality selection, acronym conversion, shorthand conversion, and custom audio and video mapping. As an interpreter of the messaging content that is passed through the telematics system, the system eliminates the need for a user to manually manipulate a texting device, or to read such a device. The system recognizes functional content and executes actions based on the identified functional content.

02-09-2012

20120149356

METHOD OF INTELLIGENT VEHICLE DIALING - A method of operating a vehicle telematics unit includes determining the location of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle telematics unit; determining if telematics dialing software operated by the vehicle telematics unit includes a verbal dialing protocol used at the determined vehicle location; if not, identifying one or more verbal dialing protocols used at the determined location of the vehicle; requesting telematics dialing software that includes the one or more identified verbal dialing protocols; receiving the requested telematics dialing software from a central facility; and storing the received telematics dialing software at the vehicle.

06-14-2012

20120191291

AFTERMARKET TELEMATICS SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A COMMUNICATIVELY PAIRED DEVICE - A method for controlling a communicatively paired device for use with a vehicle (“ATU”) includes, but is not limited to, the steps of detecting a first power state of the vehicle using a vehicle communication interface (“VCI”) that is communicatively coupled to a communication bus on the vehicle, transmitting a wireless signal corresponding to the first power state from the VCI to the communicatively paired device, and altering a second power state of the communicatively paired device to correspond with the first power state.

07-26-2012

20130151064

APPLICATION FOR A COMMUNICATIONS AND PROCESSING DEVICE - An application for a communications and processing device includes a computer program embedded on a non-transitory, tangible medium. The computer program includes computer readable code for establishing respective connections between the communications and processing device and a telematics unit of a vehicle, an information system of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), and an information system of a dealer associated with the OEM. The application further includes computer readable code for at least i) tailoring at least one vehicle system of the vehicle with user-selected preferences, ii) tailoring a user account associated with the vehicle, and iii) providing information pertaining to the vehicle or to a program associated with the vehicle.

06-13-2013

Patent applications by Kevin R. Krause, Plymouth, MI US

Paul Krause, Twin Lake, MI US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20120180778

MULTIPLE FUEL TANK SYSTEM - The present disclosure is directed to a mobile machine, such as hydronic surface heater designed to be transported to a potentially remote worksite and operated for an extended period of time. The machine has a fueled component, such as a burner, fueled by a fuel supply system having at least two fuel tanks that are operably connected to one another by a connection line having an electronically controlled valve therein. The valve is coupled to the machine's electrical system, such as being coupled to the output of the machine's main breaker, so as to be opened whenever the machine is operating but to be otherwise closed. The fuel supply system thus has, in effect, a single tank when the machine is running and multiple separated tanks when the machine is not running. Fuel spill risks therefore are mitigated without having to sacrifice operating time and without significantly complicating the machine's fuel supply systems or its controls.

07-19-2012

Richard T. Krause, Brighton, MI US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20110022274

VEHICLE SEAT POWER TRACK ENHANCEMENTS - A vehicle seat power track for an automobile vehicle seat which includes a sensor arrangement to detect the seat position along the track relative to a front airbag apparatus and generate a signal to control the apparatus of the airbag. The vehicle seat power track also includes brackets configured to reduce horizontal movement of the track components.

01-27-2011

20130334850

VEHICLE SEAT POWER TRACK ENHANCEMENTS - A vehicle seat power track for an automobile vehicle seat which includes a sensor arrangement to detect the seat position along the track relative to a front airbag apparatus and generate a signal to control the apparatus of the airbag. The vehicle seat power track also includes brackets configured to reduce horizontal movement of the track components.

12-19-2013

Richard Thomas Krause, Brighton, MI US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20100075286

Toothbrushing timer apparatus and method of using same - An apparatus for indicating a duration of time for brushing designated teeth and specific portions thereof has a tooth carrying body including an upper tooth carrying structure and a lower tooth carrying structure. The tooth carrying structures are in spaced apart relation with respect to each other in a manner whereby the tooth carrying structure resembles dental gums in a fully or partially open orientation. A first set of tooth-shaped bodies is attached to the upper tooth carrying structure and a second set of the tooth-shaped bodies is attached to the lower tooth carrying structure. Each one of the tooth-shaped bodies includes at least two discretely illuminatable portions. Each one of the discretely illuminatable portions has a respective selectively activatable light output device coupled thereto for allowing each one of the discretely illuminatable portions to be selectively illuminated.

03-25-2010

Robert Krause, White Lake, MI US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20130252752

GOLF TEMPLATE AND METHOD - A template for teaching a golfer a proper swing includes a false target disposed on a first portion of the template for positioning a golfer at a start of teaching a proper swing. A real target for being struck by the golfer during teaching is not disposed on the first portion of the template. A first marking is disposed on the first portion of the template, the first marking being disposed behind the false target and indicating a position for placing the real target off of the first portion of the template.

09-26-2013

Roger Krause, Howell, MI US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20100300282

CONNECTING ROD BORE - A linking arm conveying generally linear movement from a piston into generally radial movement of a crankshaft is disclosed. The linking arm includes a shaft extending between a piston pin end and a crankshaft pin end. The piston pin end defines a piston pin bore. A piston pin bore surface is defined by the piston pin bore, where the piston pin bore includes a non-circular transverse profile having at least two curved surfaces that each include a distinct radius, where the at least two curved surfaces are positioned in different locations around a periphery of the transverse profile.

12-02-2010

20100300397

CONNECTING ROD LUBRICATION RECESS - A connecting rod and methods of making a rod are disclosed. A method of making a connecting rod may include the step of providing a connecting rod blank, where the connecting rod blank includes a crankshaft end and a piston pin end. The method may further include forming a crankshaft pin recess in the crankshaft end of the connecting rod blank and a piston pin recess in the piston pin end, and forming at least one lubrication recess in the piston pin end of the connecting rod blank. The lubrication recess and the piston pin recess may both formed concurrently.

12-02-2010

20110167922

TRANSVERSE LOAD APPARATUS - A loading device is provided, including a first member, a second member, a first clamping member, a second clamping member, and an actuator. The first member includes a first surface, where the first surface contacts a first side of a test piece. The second member includes a second surface, for contacting a second side of the test piece. The first clamping member includes a first clamping surface for contacting the second side of the test piece. The second clamping member is fixedly secured to the second member. The actuator exerts a predetermined force driving the second member in a first direction away from the first member, and a second direction towards the first member.

07-14-2011

Roger A. Krause, Howell, MI US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20110162614

PROFILED CONNECTING ROD BORE WITH MICRO-DIMPLES - A connecting rod and methods for making the same are disclosed. A connecting rod may include a shaft extending between a piston pin end and a crankshaft pin end. The piston pin end generally defines a bore opening extending along an axis. The connecting rod further includes a bore surface formed integrally with the piston pin end and extending about an inner circumference of the bore opening. The bore surface may define a plurality of dimples that extend axially along the bore surface. The bore opening further may further include profiled surfaces adjacent opposing ends of the bore opening.

07-07-2011

20130092119

CONNECTING ROD LUBRICATION RECESS - Exemplary connecting rods and methods of making a connecting rod are disclosed. A method of making a connecting rod may include the step of providing a connecting rod blank, where the connecting rod blank includes a crankshaft end and a piston pin end. The method may further include forming a crankshaft pin recess in the crankshaft end of the connecting rod blank and a piston pin recess in the piston pin end, and forming at least one lubrication recess in the piston pin end of the connecting rod blank. The lubrication recess and the piston pin recess may both formed concurrently.

04-18-2013

20140053798

BOLTED JOINT INNER THREAD COATING AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING - A device and corresponding methods for applying a coating material are disclosed. The method may include applying a first coating material on a threaded region of an opening in a multi-piece assembly, and inserting at least one fastener to the threaded region. The fastener may include a mating thread selectively secured to the threaded region of the opening to create a first friction interface between the fastener and the multi-piece assembly. The method may further include tensioning the fastener between a load surface of the multi-piece assembly and the mating thread. In one example, the load surface may define in part a second friction interface between the fastener and the multi-piece assembly that is spaced away from the threaded region such that the first coating material does not influence the second friction interface. In another example, the first coating material may be applied in a substantially uniform thickness.

02-27-2014

Patent applications by Roger A. Krause, Howell, MI US

Steven Krause, Plymouth, MI US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20130220115

Piston Assembly Including A Polymer Coating With Hard Particles Applied to Sliding Surfaces - A piston assembly comprises a piston body, a connecting rod, and a wrist pin. The piston body includes a pair of first cross bores presenting a piston sliding surface. The connecting rod includes a second cross bore presenting a rod sliding surface which is axially aligned with the first cross bores of the piston body. A wrist pin is disposed in the aligned cross bores and couples the piston body to the connecting rod. The wrist pin also presents a pin sliding surface facing the rod sliding surface and the piston sliding surfaces. A coating is applied to at least one of the sliding surfaces, such as by dipping, brushing, atomizing, spraying, printing, or screen printing. The coating includes a polymer matrix, such as polyamide imide (PAI), and hard particles, such as Fe

08-29-2013

Tonya Lynn Krause, Brighton, MI US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20100075286

Toothbrushing timer apparatus and method of using same - An apparatus for indicating a duration of time for brushing designated teeth and specific portions thereof has a tooth carrying body including an upper tooth carrying structure and a lower tooth carrying structure. The tooth carrying structures are in spaced apart relation with respect to each other in a manner whereby the tooth carrying structure resembles dental gums in a fully or partially open orientation. A first set of tooth-shaped bodies is attached to the upper tooth carrying structure and a second set of the tooth-shaped bodies is attached to the lower tooth carrying structure. Each one of the tooth-shaped bodies includes at least two discretely illuminatable portions. Each one of the discretely illuminatable portions has a respective selectively activatable light output device coupled thereto for allowing each one of the discretely illuminatable portions to be selectively illuminated.